informational writing. defining informational writing informational writing: writing that enhances...
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Informational Informational WritingWriting
Informational Informational WritingWriting
Defining Informational Writing
• Informational Writing: Writing that enhances the reader’s understanding of a topic by instructing, explaining, clarifying, describing, or examining a subject or concept.
• Method• Provides facts, statistics, descriptive
details, comparison/contrast, analysis, evaluation, definition, humor, and personal anecdotes.
What Informational Writing Is and Is NotAn effective informational composition . . .
An effective informational composition is NOT:
Establishes a clear controlling idea Copying words or information from the writing topic
Uses clear, complete descriptions and/or explanations to develop the controlling idea
A list of facts, a story, and/or personal anecdotes that do not inform the reader about the topic
Contains an appropriate organizational strategy for the purpose of explanation, description, comparison and contrast, or problem and solution
A response in which ideas are not presented in logical order
Is multi-paragraph writing A single paragraph
Fully develops the controlling idea with specific details and examples
Formulaic writing or a repetitive, standard five-paragraph formula that overshadows the information instead of explaining it
Blends personal experience and knowledge to inform the reader about the topic
An encyclopedic coverage of facts or an abundance of facts that are unrelated to the topic
What Informational Writing Is and Is NotAn effective informational composition . . .
An effective informational composition is NOT:
Uses a lively writing voice that develops the reader's interest
Flat, uninteresting writing
Uses engaging language and varied sentences
An essay that contains imprecise language and little sentence variety
Introduces the reader to the topic, fully develops the topic, and provides a sense of closure
Writing that provides information without introducing, developing, and/or concluding the topic
May use a short narrative in the introduction to engage the audience
Writing that consists entirely of a story that does not inform the reader about the topic
Contains correct sentences, usage, grammar, and spelling that make the writer's ideas understandable
Incorrect sentences, usage, grammar, and spelling that prevent the reader from understanding the writer's ideas
Types of Informational Writing
• Analyzing• Answering research questions • Clarifying • Composing letters • Defining terms • Describing scientific processes • Drawing conclusions• Examining cause and effect relationships • Interviewing expert sources• Making comparisons and observations • Offering directions or instructions• Predicting• Problem solving • Recounting historical events• Reflecting on personal experiences• Reporting facts and hypotheses • Summarizing information and ideas
Purpose• The purpose of informational writing is to help
the reader understand a topic or concept.• Although the writer may include opinions in an
informational piece, the writer’s purpose is not to persuade the reader.
• A reader should be able to pick up a paper without knowing the assigned topic or the type of writing assigned and be able to understand the writer’s purpose.
• A reader should be able to tell if he/she is reading a report, an argument, a narrative or a response to literature.
Organizing Strategies for Informational Writing
• Chronological (Time Order)• Similarity/Difference• Cause/Effect Order• Question/Answer
Demonstrating Audience Awareness in Informational Writing
Effective writers use the following techniques to engage the reader
• Descriptive Details• Figurative Language: Imagery, similes, metaphors• Authoritative voice (being able to tell that the
writer knows what they are talking about)• Technical Vocabulary (words that have to do with
the topic)• Addressing the reader• Humor• Personal anecdotes
Ways to Inform